Policies on Sexually Explicit Materials in State Prisons

Abstract

Given the limited opportunities for consensual, sexual relationships in prisons, inmates must often seek to fulfill their sexual needs through other avenues, including use of sexually explicit materials. The current study explores the policies of correctional agencies regarding allowing inmates’ access to sexually explicit materials. Drawing on Department of Corrections (DOC) policies, this study indicates important variations across systems. Current research, as it relates to the effects of viewing sexually explicit materials on prison inmates, is scarce. Although more data are available from the general population, it is not entirely clear whether these results translate to prison inmates. Nonetheless, prison administrators may still have a legitimate penological interest in restricting these materials. Examining both the current state of correctional policies on access to sexually explicit materials and the current research, potential implications for policy development are discussed.